Dubrovnik in 7 Days: a guidebook for getting the most out of your visit

Dubrovnik is a city interconnected by alleys, so it is easy to get around on foot. It is known as the Pearl of the Adriatic, due to its privileged location, Mediterranean climate, coves with crystal clear waters and ancient monuments. In seven days you can tour most of the attractions of the famous walled city.

The best Dubrovnik tours are a great option, allowing you to tour the old town, see the locations where Game of Thrones was filmed, explore the Dead Sea on Lokrum Island and climb the ancient walls.

Dubrovnik is a city that preserves charming old buildings, which are part of its essence. It is advisable to take a full day to walk it from end to end.

Onofrio Fountain

Onofrio's Fountain was built in 1438 by the architect Onofrio della Cava, it stands out for being the drinking water aqueduct of Dubrovnik. If you want to visit it, it is located next to the Pile Gate, known to be the main access to the old town.

The structure of the fountain has striking masks that were preserved, even after the earthquake of 1667. A variety of activities are organized in this monument during the summer, as it is ideal for cooling off.

Franciscan Monastery

A few steps away is the Franciscan Monastery, a magical space built in 1317. The entrance fee is around 5 € and gives you access to different areas, among them:

• San Francisco Church: if you don't want to visit other areas of the monastery, you can enter for free.
• Cloisters: thecloisters are galleries that surround the courtyards of the monastery, they have Renaissance, Gothic and Romanesque designs. The upper one is reserved for monks only, while the lower one is open to the general public.
• Franjevackog Samostana Museum: if you want to delight yourself with sacred art, you can appreciate the exhibits of this museum.
• Mala Braca Pharmacy: it is the oldest pharmacy in Croatia, also the third oldest in Europe. I suggest you to try the cosmetic products, made with their oldest secret recipes.

Stradum Street

Stradum Street is the main street ofDubrovnik, from this starting point it is easier to visit the main monuments of the city. It is characterized as a shopping area, with a large number of tourists.

The gates interconnect shortcuts and perpendicular alleys, which will take you directly to its main attraction: cliff terraces, souvenir stores, ice cream parlors and landmark buildings.

From here you can reach:

• Luža Square or Loggia Square: represents the old Dubrovnik, in the surroundings you can visit centuries-old buildings. For example, Orlando's Column, built in 1498.
• Dolce Vita Ice Cream Parlor: It is considered the best ice cream parlor in Dubrovnik, since it offers traditional proposals and fresh flavors, ideal to enjoy the Mediterranean climate of the Adriatic Sea.
• Ethnographic Museum: it is ideal to know the history of Dubrovnik, here you can find typical costumes of the Turkish and Venetian influence. The approximate price of the entrance is 13 €.

Note that in the morning it is easier to walk along Stradun Street. While, at noon and in the afternoon it is usually crowded with tourists.

Sponza Palace

The Sponza Palace is one of the most emblematic and multifaceted buildings in Dubrovnik, the best thing is that the entrance is free.

It has a large courtyard, as well as areas that break down the history of the city. Over the centuries it has been home to a bank, an armory, a school, a customs house and the mint.

Dubrovnik Cathedral

Dubrovnik Cathedral is an inexpensive plan that will allow you to appreciate paintings by Croatian artists, as well as Italian and Flemish works. From the viewpoints and city walls, you can appreciate its striking dome.

Admission is free, you only have to pay about 1 €, if you want to discover the treasure of Dubrovnik: it is the remains of St. Blaise in a gold chest. I recommend you to visit it in February, as there is a procession for the day of this saint.

If you like to discover architectural spaces, in the surroundings you can visit the Church of St. Blaise.

Between 1358 and 1808 the Republic of Ragusa took place, at that time it was made up of Roman tribes. Today it is known as Dubrovnik, but you can still see the walls that bear the stamp of this aristocracy.

Dubrovnik Walls

Get your best sneakers ready, as you will be walking approximately two kilometers. Dubrovnik's walls were created to defend the city during fighting and interconnect its alleys.

The advantage of visiting the walls is that they have three gates, so you won't have to wait in line or stop on collapsed roads. Access to the walls has an approximate cost of 27 €. I leave you the location of the entrances and exits:

• Puerta de Pile: it is the main entrance, therefore it has more tourist affluence. It has a variety of transportation options in the surroundings, it is also the only gate of the Republic of Ragusa that remains in operation.
• Ploče Gate: it is ideal for viewing and accessing the Old Port of Dubrovnik.
• Buža Gate: it was built recently, but allows access to the alleys with the typical Dubrovnik stairs.

When walking along the walls pay close attention, you can easily notice the difference between each wall. There are ancient, present, sea and outer walls. Please note that the walk along the walls is included in the Dubrovnik Card: a tourist card that covers the entrance to all monuments and public transport.

Minceta Tower and St. Lawrence Fortress

On your way along the Dubrovnik city walls, you will come across the Minceta Tower, considered the highest point of the city. It is a medieval building that stands out, so it can be seen from different points. Here I recommend you to visit the museum and go up to the lookout point.

Viewpoint Aussichtspunkt Stadtmauer

The viewpoint Aussichtspunkt Stadtmauer, offers the best views of the walls. It is similar to Fort St. Lawrence, but it is easier to access. It is an ideal plan if you are looking for activities to do with children in Dubrovnik, as there are bike rides.

If you are looking for a place to take pictures without crowds, I recommend you to visit it.

Old Port

From the Dubrovnik city walls, you can access the Old Port of Dubrovnik. The easiest way is through the sea entrances, known as the Fish Market Gate and the Bridge Gate. The structure of these gates is unique, as they were built between 1381 and 1476.

From here boats leave for nearby islands, and souvenir stores and fishermen are often found on the shore. Another option is to visit the port Mai Muo, famous for its oyster restaurants.

If you are looking for a more modern option, I suggest the Port of Gruz, where you can take advantage of the best boat rides in Dubrovnik.

Dubrovnik Beaches

Dubrovnik is a privileged city, as it enjoys warm and sunny summers. In the late afternoon you can watch the sunset or relax on the sun loungers. The beaches of the region are exotic, thanks to the characteristic turquoise color of its waters. Here are the best options:

• Porporela: it is a rocky beach, located near the walls behind the Old Port. It has a pier ideal for sharing with the family.
• Banje Beach: it is the most popular, so I do not recommend you to visit it in high season, because it is usually crowded.
• Sulic Beach: it is a small and cozy cove, surrounded by a variety of terraces where you can eat.

Dubrovnik's spaces are enchanting, which is why scenes from movies have been filmed, such as Star Wars, Captain America, Robin Hood and more. The best known are the locations of the Game of Thrones series, which annually attract thousands of fans.

The best Game of Thrones tours of Dubrovnik will take you to see:

• The Bay of Pile: where the Battle of Blackwater was filmed.
• The Stairs of Shame: the Jesuit Stairs are another scenery that you can not miss, currently known as the Stairs of Shame, due to the scene of the condemnation of Cersei Lannister.
• Gradak Park: the iconic Purple Wedding was filmed here.
• The Fort of St. Lawrence: be prepared to climb around 200 stairs, but believe me it's worth it, the views are breathtaking. In the series it is known as the Red Fortress and is the scene of different battles.
• The Dominicans Palace: the emblematic site where the revolts against Joffrey began.
• The Belvedere Palace: houses the space where the battle between Oberyn Martell and The Montain was filmed.

If you prefer to visit Game of Thrones locations with less tourist crowds, I suggest taking a tour to Lokrum Island. Here you will find a replica of the Iron Throne, as well as famous landmarks from the series. They include the House of the Undying, the Red Keep and King's Landing.

Every day boats depart from the Old Port for around 28 €, but you can also book the best Dubrovnik boat tours that usually make stops on the island. You can also take the opportunity to visit:

• Benedictine Monastery: it was built in 1023 and since then underwent several modifications, but retains ancient details. They have a section dedicated to Game of Thrones, here you can discover the most famous locations of the island with a free audio guide.
• Maximilian Gardens: its main attraction are the peacocks from the Canary Islands, which are often found walking around.
• Dead Sea: it is a saltwater lake, ideal for hanging out during the summer.

Walking around Dubrovnik is fun, but from the heights the city is more impressive. The city's cable car makes the trip easy, but the more adventurous can go hiking and see its mountains.

Mount Srd

Mount Srd can be accessed from the Dubrovnik city walls, from the road where there is a stair path, or by a fun cable car ride. This adventure is well worth it and is one of the best activities in Dubrovnik.

The hike is of moderate difficulty and will take you approximately forty minutes. At the top you will come across the Imperial Fort, which was built in 1806. Afterwards, I suggest you go to the viewpoint of Mount Srd, to appreciate the best views of the city.

Dubrovnik Cable Car

If you want to get panoramic views of the city, I suggest you to take the Dubrovnik cable car. It is one of the most popular attractions, as it allows you to be 778 meters high. The ride lasts about five minutes, the cost of round trip is about 22 €.

It is ideal for activities with children in Dubrovnik, as children under 12 years pay about 9 €. The best time to go up is around 7:00 p.m. to see the sunset. Although at this time the number of tourists tends to increase, especially during the high season.

The cable car station also has the Homeland War Museum where materials, three-dimensional objects and photographs about the war between Croatia, Montenegro and Serbia in 1991 are collected.

Another option is to eat at the Panorama Restaurant, which offers views of the old city, Lapad Bay and the surrounding islands. On the cable car is also the Ohrid Pearl Shop, which houses a unique jewel in the world.

If you still have time, you can go hiking. You are also allowed to drive on the nearby roads in a Safari Buggy that will take you to minefields, fortresses and ruins of the last Dubrovnik war. The approximate price is 40 €, per thirty minutes.

In Dubrovnik there are a variety of cliff terraces, ideal for enjoying the views of the Adriatic Sea. Buža Bar is one of the most popular.

I recommend you to visit Buža II, which is located in Margaret Fortress and is a beach bar on the cliffs, ideal for watching the sunset. The entrance is free and you can swim there during the summer.

I recommend visiting in low season. For example, you can plan activities in Dubrovnik in April, as the coves, cliffs and monuments are usually clear.

The city of Dubrovnik has witnessed different historical events, therefore you will find proposals for interactive museums. Here are some options:

• Archaeological Museum: there are historical pieces, coins, archaeological remains and ceramic dolls. The entrance fee is around 16 €.
• Maritime Museum: located in the Fortress of San Juan, it has a collection of more than 4,000 objects. There are navigation maps, model ships and an aquarium. The approximate price is 17 €.
• Museum of Love: it is a different proposal, ideal to visit as a couple. There are photographs, sculptures, poems and other forms of art that represent the concept of love. The entrance fee is around 7 €.

If you like to learn about history and want to visit more museums, I suggest buying the Dubrovnik Card from 30 €. You can also buy a joint ticket, which gives you access to a variety of museums. It has an approximate value of 18 € and is valid for 7 days.